MINUTES OF regular MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

 monday – april 10, 1961

The Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County Commissioners room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Monday, April 10, 1961 at ten o’clock a.m., with the following present:  Commissioners Cowart, Babb, Dykes, and Simpson; Attorney Duncan; Clerk Owens; and Engineer Goodson. (Chairman Theus was absent.)

In the absence of Chairman Theus, Vice Chairman Cowart presided and called the Board to order.

Reading of the previous minutes was postponed at this time.

pauper list

On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried:

DISTRICT #1 – no changes were made.

DISTRICT #2 – Virgil Tomlinson, R-1, Groveland, was added to the list for $40 per month.

DISTRICT #3 – Mrs. Richardson, Wildwood, for Raymond Brooks, Astatula for $40 was canceled, and Maybell Burton, Tavares, was granted $10 per month.

DISTRICT #4 – no changes were made.

DISTRICT #5 – Mrs. Pearl Hooker, R-1, Box 69, Umatilla, for $20 was canceled, and Dorothy Combs, Main Street, Leesburg, for $40 was canceled.

certificates of indebtedness

Mr. Duncan filed a letter from B. J. Ingren & Company, Inc. enclosing the Proof of Publication of the Notice of Sale of the Lake County Certificates of Indebtedness in the Daily Bond Buyer of March 29, 1961.  This letter stated, “This may be one of the items Caldwell, Marshall, Trimble & Mitchell, New York, will request of you.”

Mrs. Katherine Baker, Supervisor of Registration, appeared before the Board re Carver Heights Negro High School in Leesburg requesting use of one of the voting machines for an election.  They may need it two days.  Mrs. Baker said she told them she would consult the Board of County Commissioners and find out its recommendations; also told them what the cost of the machine and a helper to run same would be.  Mr. Baker stated she has talked to Mr. Theus, and he is in accord with letting the School have the machine; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Mrs. Baker, Supervisor of Registration, was instructed to notify the Carver Heights School in Leesburg they will be allowed to use the voting machine with an assistant helper.

Hugh Hanna, Engineer of the State Road Department, appeared before the Board re construction of a project around Mount Dora, SR 500 as it crosses Lake Woodward.  He stated this project is presently designed for only pipe under Lake Woodward, but the property owners are perturbed about this.  We have gone back to the records in 1957 and find that it was the intention to have a boat passage, and it is the opinion of the present Road Board and Highway Engineer that the statements in that transcript are a commitment that a structure similar to that under Road 19 in Lake Junietta, a box culvert 12 x 12 which would have a minimum clearance at high water of 5 feet and a maximum clearance at low water of 8 feet be built.  Mr. Codding was present at the meeting today at the request of the Board, and he stated as far as I am concerned, and am sure my wife and other residents on Lake Woodward concur, this will be perfectly satisfactory.  Mr. Codding was asked to write Mr. Mimms that this decision meets with his approval.  On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the Attorney for the Board, Mr. C. E. Duncan, was instructed to write Mr. Richey Green, District Engineer, stating that the Board accepts the proposal to install a 12 x 12 box culvert under the fill in Lake Woodward and approves its installation in full compliance with the request heretofore made.

Karl Lehmann, Secretary, Lake Fair Association, appeared before the Board to express appreciation for the assistance the County Commissioners have given the Fair Association.  He said the grounds are in the best shape they have been in for a long time.  The County has given the necessary dirt to fill the old pool, and this work is completed.

Sheriff McCall appeared before the Board and advised that some of the Equipment people have samples of jail cells set up at Lake Region Tangerine House on Road 19 and would like for the Commissioners to examine this prior to opening of the bids.  The Board advised the Sheriff they will look at the equipment at 1:30 today.  Lee Fisher, representing Howell Hopson, architect, said that Mr. Hopson could not be here today, as he had to go to his sister’s funeral in Savanah, Georgia, and expects to be back tomorrow or Wednesday.  Mr. Fisher asked the Board about closing the alley back of the courthouse while the jail is under construction.  He was advised to work this out with Sheriff McCall.

Albert Floodstrom of Mount Plymouth appeared before the Board re being employed as an inspector on the construction of the jail.  He was advised to discuss this with Mr. Hopson and Mr. Goodson.

Elmer Sperry appeared before the Board re sale of an old army truck.  Commr. Dykes said the one in District #3 is worn out.  Mr. Sperry said the truck he has is a 5-ton 1956 model tractor unit with 11 tires with 4000 miles.  He read the specifications.  Mr. Cowart said they would have to advertise for bids if the cost is over one thousand dollars.

bids for mineral seal on county roads

Notice having been advertised for double surface treatment on two Lake County roads and mineral seal on five Lake County roads, the following bids were received:

EAST LAKE COMPANY, Eustis

Double Surface Treatment on 2 roads 0.395 unit price        

Mineral Seal on five roads 0.149 unit price

CAMPBELL PAVING COMPANY, Clearwater

Double Surface Treatment on approximate 4.2 miles 0.36 per square yard

Mineral Seal on approximate 4.3 miles 0.15 per square yard

R. M. WILKINS CONTRACTING CORPORATION, Sanford

Double Surface Treatment on approximate 4.2 miles $.40 per square yard

Mineral Seal approximate 4.3 miles $.30 per square yard

J. D. MANLY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, Leesburg

Double Surface Treatment – 33 cents per square yard         

Mineral Seal – 14 ¾ cents per square yard

J. D. Manly Construction Company being the lowest bidder, a motion was made by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried that the bid of J. D. Manly Construction Co. for paving – double surface treatment at 33 cents per square yard and mineral seal at 14 ¾ cents per square yard – was accepted; and Commr. Simpson and County Engineer Goodson work out the items to be approved for paving.

Tom Sawyer, representing Griffin View Estates, presented the Plat of Griffin View Estates comprised of 19 lots, together with a letter from the Lake County Health Department re septic tank recommendations, also a two-year old copy of a title insurance policy, with the letter attached bringing the policy up to date.  Mr. Duncan stated he has checked this plat, and it seems to comply with the present law as to street width and has a connecting road 66 feet wide.  A letter from the Lake County Health Department states “Based on the survey of the Orange State Engineers, Inc., report attached, we are accepting their recommendations on this property for septic tank installation under normal operating conditions; however, lots 11 through 19, septic tanks shall be installed on the west end of the lot boundaries high enough to assure minimum water table beneath the septic tank installation.”  A letter from the Inland Abstract & Title Company states as follows:  “We issued a title insurance policy No. Y-677-292 dated May 27, 1959 insuring the title of Arthur C. Faber and Ella L. Faber, his wife, on North 1000 feet of Govt. Lot 2, Less the West 726 feet thereof; and North 1000 feet of Govt. Lot 1, all in Section 24-18-24.”  Taxes for the year 1960 were paid.  Mr. Duncan stated that Mr. and Mrs. Faber have signed the Plat, which shows the title free of any mortgages; therefore, the Plat meets the requirements of law.  The Zoning Director also has examined this Plat and says it meets the code of zoning law.  On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Plat of Griffin View Estates was accepted and approved.

river road acres, a subdivision near paisley

Euclid Parker presented a deed from the owners of this Subdivision conveying to Lake County several clayed streets in the Subdivision, which the County will take over for maintenance. The descriptions of the streets have been checked with Mr. Sawyer who made the survey.  Mr. Duncan stated there is no objection to this deed being accepted.  Mr. Parker stated he has a title policy to the land.  The names of the streets are as follows:  North Street, Pine Drive, Rustic Road, and Sandy Lane, all in Government Lot 2, Sec 21-17-29.  On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the deed was accepted and recorded.

camp challenge

George W. Daugherty appeared before the Board and stated that about a year ago the Florida Society for Crippled Children were here looking for a site for a camp, and his group donated about 50 acres of land just east of Mount Dora to the Society, and they have not started the camp.  George Sipple from Orlando is going to put in a well.  We would like for Lake County to put in an access road from Road 46.  The right of way would be deeded to the County.  The road would be about 660 feet long into the Camp.  The Society hopes to have the building finished by June.  Mr. Simpson stated this road would be in District No. 4, just east of Mount Plymouth, and they are asking for a road 660 feet long into this Camp.  I think this is a good thing for Lake County.  If there is any bulldozer work to be done, Mr. Daugherty will do this work.  Mr. Simpson also stated that when the bulldozer work is done, he will go in there and fix the road.  On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the deed for right of way purposes from the Florida Society for Crippled Children was accepted and recorded.

oakland park subdivision (golden isle subdivision)

Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, reported to the Board that the low lots within this Subdivision have been filled in.  He has inspected the lots, and they are okay.  Jet, Inc. has asked for a letter in this regard so they can get their money back, but I have not had time to write the letter but will write it this week.  Clerk Owens stated he has a bank money order on the First National Bank of Winter Garden in the amount of $5,250 from this company, which he has been holding until the work is completed.  On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, Clerk Owens was authorized to release the bank money order to Jet, Inc., as the County Engineer has reported that the lots now meet the requirements.

Commr. Babb filed $5 cash which he received from Walter Godleff for the sale of a junk truck at Alexander Springs.

executed typical section

An executed Typical Section re Job No. 11504-3601, SR S-561 WLBE Radio Station Road, length 3.25 miles, was filed with the Board.

executed copy of right of way contract

An executed copy of the right of way contract (SRD No. 1) on Job No. 11682-2602 from Fifth Avenue in Mount Dora northerly along Donnelly Avenue to SR 500 was filed.

mile post sc 811 lisbon

An executed copy of an agreement dated February 21, 1961 between the Atlantic Coast Line RR Co. and Lake County covering installation and maintenance by the County of a public road crossing over Coast Line’s right of way and track at a point 1,691 feet east of said mile post above set forth.

Clerk Owens stated that Sheriff McCall advised him that the Van Dorn Steel Corporation has settled the bill made by its representative at the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora during the Sheriff’s Convention.

blinker light at bassville

Mr. Babb also requested that a blinker light be installed in Altoona by the State Road Department at the intersection of SR 19 and SR 42.  On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, it has been brought to the attention of the Board of County Commissioners that the intersection of State Road No. 42 with State Road No. 19 in the Town of Altoona, because of increasing traffic at that point, is becoming an increasingly dangerous intersection, and the Board feels that some traffic signal should be placed at said intersection to caution the traveling public;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the State Road Department of the State of Florida be requested to install a blinker light with a red light facing east and a yellow light facing north and south at the intersection of State Road 42 with State Road 19 in the Town of Altoona, Lake County, Florida.

eldorado road

Mr. Babb stated he would like for the Board to request the State Road Department to mark the center line on Eldorado Road if this is possible.  On a motion by Commr. Babb, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Attorney Duncan was authorized to write the State Road Department requesting them to mark the center line of the Eldorado Road from SR 44 northward.

recess and reassembly

The meeting adjourned for lunch and reconvened at 2:00 p.m.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Leesburg Post Veterans of Foreign Wars #4705 re purchase of land on Bassville Road by A. D. Becker for putting a trailer thereon.  Said letter was referred to Mr. Goodson, County Engineer, for reply.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Mrs. Vincent Voorhis, Clermont, re some County-owned land in Clermont.  The Clerk was instructed to answer this letter.

hunnicutt contract

A representative of Hunnicutt & Associates appeared before the Board and requested the Board to pay one-half of the contract price which has been withheld until such time as the work is completed.  He stated they are through with the appraisal now and are just checking for errors.  Mr. Duncan stated they cannot pay out any more money under the contract as it is now made.  The only way would be to amend the contract.  It is up to the Board what they want to do about it.  We should have some assurance from Hunnicutt that they will complete the job.  The representative was requested to come back at 1:30 this Thursday as this meeting will be adjourned to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13.

Fred Tanner appeared before the Board re purchasing a fogging machine out of funds under the control of the County Commissioners, although it was originally state money.  He was advised that the price is so close to one thousand dollars, the Board would have to advertise for the machine.

On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, Clerk Owens was instructed to advertise for a fogging machine for use by the Mosquito Control upon receipt of specifications furnished by Fred Tanner.

Clerk Owens read a letter from Sheriff McCall re revocation of the Good Time of Burrell T. Tykes and Thomas A. Miller.  Said letter requested that the 25 days good time be disallowed.  On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the Sheriff was to be notified to disallow to said subjects the 25 days good time.

clapp property in mount dora

The appraisal of John Alden Murray and Robert A. Quixley dated March 14, 1961 as follows was filed:  “Value of lot 80 feet by 140 feet, including 4 fruit trees, several large shade trees, lawn, and other ornamental plants to be $2,240 or 20 cents per square foot.  The house and garage are of no value to the property aside from the scrap value of the house which we set at $200.  We appraise the property at $2,240.”

Clerk Owens read a letter from Mrs. William E. Lofroos, Mount Dora, offering $1,410 for the Clapp property located on East 8th Avenue.  Clerk Owens was instructed to write Mrs. Lofroos that her offer of $1,410 was rejected, as the property has been appraised at $2,240, but if she is interested in submitting an offer for that amount, the Board will re-advertise the property for sale.

bill from tavares citizen

The bill from the Tavares Citizen for legal for Legislature in the amount of $163.80 was approved for payment.

Mr. Duncan said that the Attorney General will take care of all the bills that Lake County is amended out of.

discussion re board paying part of expense for neal huebsch

A discussion of the Board paying part of the expense for Neal Huebsch while he is in the Legislature ensued.  Mr. Duncan said that Mr. Huebsch can be of service to the group, and he understands that he has received one appointment and will receive some money from up there.  Action was withheld on this, and Mr. Duncan was instructed to check with Commr. Theus.

On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the action of the Chairman and Clerk in approving the application for admittance to the T. B. Hospital by Florence Louise Washington, Groveland, was approved.

home for senior citizens

Mr. Rikard appeared before the Board and stated he does not know exactly when we are going to get the home officially opened.  Commr. Dykes suggested that Commr. Theus, Mr. Richard and Mrs. Sudderth work out a workable agreement for the home which the State Welfare would approve.  Mr. Rikard stated that Mrs. Sudderth wants to get Dr. Hall and Mrs. Haley to meet with her on Wednesday at the Home to make up some kind of workable agreement that will be acceptable to the State Welfare Board.

equipment maintenance agreement with ibm

The Equipment Maintenance Agreement with IBM, Orlando, for quarterly service on Machine Model 811287, Serial 1414203 was signed by Clerk Owens.  An original and one copy are to be returned to IBM and one copy filed with other contract on typewriters.

A request from James C. Hunter, County Service Officer, to purchase one legal size Shaw Walker filing cabinet with quotations from Simons Office Equipment, Leesburg, and F & R Office Supply of Orlando, the price being identical, $121.  A motion was made by Commr. Dykes to accept the offer of Simons Office Equipment of Leesburg, as they are in the county, seconded by Commr. Babb, and carried.

agricultural center

Approval from Robert Ford, Architect, for payment on the construction of the Agricultural Center to Gregg, Gibson & Gregg, contractors, in the amount of $21,038.08 was presented to the Board.

Total contract complete                     $75,996.95

Less retainage of 10%                        $  7,599.70

Less amount previously paid             $47,350.17

Total due this estimate                       $21,038.08

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the bill of Gregg, Gibson & Gregg, Contractors, in the amount of $21,038.08 on the Agricultural Center was approved for payment.

certificates of indebtedness

Mr. Duncan filed the Proof of Publication of the Notice of Sale of the Lake County Certificates of Indebtedness in the Daily Bond Buyer of March 29, 1961, which was sent by B. J. Van Ingen & Company, stating that this may be one of the items Caldwell, Marshall, Trimble & Mitchell, Attorneys, will request of you.

agreement with city of clermont

The agreement with the City of Clermont re the garbage dump was discussed and the Attorney instructed to check same and the Vice Chairman and Clerk sign and send a copy to the City of Clermont with the original to be signed and returned.

petition to rescind resolution

A petition for rescinding and cancellation of resolution dated April 13, 1959 was filed and recorded in Official Records Book 85, pages 489-490 of the Records of Lake County, Florida, having reference to the vacating, abandonment, discontinuance, and closing of certain roads reserved for public use, signed by P. C. Gorman of counsel for Petitioners, Evena B. Ogden and Marjorie Rosendall, was presented to the Board.  Mr. Duncan stated that if the Board is going to consider this Petition, some public notice should be made of it.  Mr. Gorman should be advised to publish the Notice; WHEREUPON, on a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the Attorney for the Board was authorized to notify P. C. Gorman that the Notice should be published requesting that the Board of County Commissioners rescind this Resolution so that everyone may be advised.  The hearing is to be on May 8, 1961.

henry harrell eley, county employee

A copy of a letter from Joseph G. Matthews, M. D. of Orlando recommending that this party be put on a tryout basis of work to see if he can stand to work was read by the Clerk.  Mr. Dykes stated the party has been put on a tryout basis to see if he can stand the work.

right of way deeds

Mr. Duncan filed 13 deeds for right of way on a proposed road beginning with SR 25 and running east through sections 6, 5, 32, 4, and 1 in District No. 2.

On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the deeds were accepted for right of way purposes and filed for record.

Mr. Duncan was instructed to get in touch with a party owning some land near the right of way from which the Board might acquire clay.

sawgrass road

Commr. Dykes stated that since the last meeting, he has had a request that Sawgrass Road be kept open.  Leon Bass is still closing the road, although he has been notified to leave the road open.  (This Board adopted a resolution on March 6, 1961 to have the road kept open.)  On a motion by Commr. Dykes, seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, Attorney Duncan was instructed to do whatever is necessary to enforce the temporary injunction.

vouchers approved for payment

On a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the following Vouchers were approved for payment:

General Fund                          #816 through 957

Road & Bridge Fund              #637 through 763

Fine & Forfeiture Fund          #92 through 110

State #2 Mosquito Control     #58 through 75

County Home                         #22 through 33

Agricultural Building             #12 through 14

County Buildings                   #14

the following letters were filed with the board:

T. B. Hospital re discharge of Charlie Cribb, Mattie Martha Parker, Coy Leon Strickland, and Robert Carson Roundtree.  (Roundtree left of his own accord and against advice of doctor.)

Sterling Equipment Manufacturing Corp - interested in bidding on kitchen equipment for jail.

G. E. Dial, Jr., Executive Director, Central & Southern Florida flood Control Dist., with copy of his letter to Hon. James E. Conner re: SW Florida Water Management District.

Ben F. Lewis, Lady Lake, and reply by Attorney Duncan re: establishing drainage district.

Board of Public Instruction, Sumter County, enclosing copy of resolution re:  proposed Lake-Sumter Junior College – they endorse and recommend Jr. College be located on the Holland Jennens site adjacent to the city limits of Leesburg.

Florida State Board of Heath re:  air pollution

the following reports were filed with the board:

Comptroller of the State of Florida of County Finances, December 31, 1960.

Marian B. Valentine, Home Demonstration Agent, and 2 assistants

Lake County Welfare Report for March 1961

Minutes of State Road Board meeting, March 23, 1961.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED TO 1:30 P.M., THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1961 on a motion by Commr. Simpson, seconded by Commr. Babb and carried.

 

/s/ Frank E. Owens___                                                           /s/ O. M. Simpson__

CLERK                                                                                   CHAIRMAN